Tenn. Highway Patrol Plans 'No Refusal' Enforcement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Highway Patrol plans a "no refusal" enforcement campaign in several counties across the state during the New Year's Eve holiday period.

Tennessee's "no refusal" law allows officers to seek search warrants for blood samples when they suspect a driver to be impaired.

The special enforcement includes saturation patrols; bar and tavern checks; and checkpoints for seat belts, sobriety and driver's licenses. It begins at 6 p.m. Monday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

The aim is to deter impaired driving and fatal crashes.

According to the Highway Patrol, nine people were killed in fatal crashes on Tennessee roadways during last year's 78-hour New Year's Eve holiday period. That's an increase from the six vehicular fatalities during the 2011-12 New Year's holiday.